Lab Manager

Summary: The Lab Manager is responsible for leading the R&D laboratory, formulation development activities, and execution of product innovation initiatives for ZO Skin Health. This role oversees a team of Chemists while driving the development, optimization, and commercialization of ZO products. The Lab Manager serves as the technical leader, working alongside the VP of R&D for formulation strategy, laboratory operations, external development partnerships, and cross-functional project execution, ensuring products meet efficacy, aesthetic, quality, regulatory, and cost objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the R&D laboratory and manage a team of Chemists, providing coaching, development, performance management, and technical guidance.
• Drive formulation innovation by developing and overseeing the creation of new product prototypes, reformulations, and product enhancements aligned with brand strategy and consumer needs.
• Provide scientific leadership for skincare, OTC and Rx product development programs from concept through commercialization.
• Establish laboratory priorities, allocate resources, and manage project timelines to ensure successful execution of R&D initiatives.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for formulation troubleshooting, manufacturing challenges, stability concerns, and product quality improvements.
• Direct stability programs and interpret data to ensure product robustness, performance, and shelf-life requirements are achieved.
• Lead scale-up and technology transfer activities, ensuring formulations are successfully transitioned from laboratory development to commercial manufacturing.
• Manage relationships with external formulation partners, contract manufacturers, testing laboratories, CROs, and other development partners to support project execution and commercialization.
• Collaborate closely with Product Development, Marketing, Regulatory, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, ingredients, and market trends to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive differentiation.
• Ensure compliance with global regulatory requirements, ingredient policies, safety standards, and GMP requirements.
• Review and approve technical documentation, development reports, specifications, protocols, and laboratory records.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on laboratory efficiency, innovation, data integrity, and process optimization.
• Manage laboratory budgets, equipment maintenance, inventory planning, and capital expenditures.
• Lead laboratory readiness for audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.
• Lab manager is expected to spend 25% on the bench and 75% on managerial tasks

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or related scientific discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 8+ years of skincare formulation and product development experience, including cosmetics, OTC, and/or Rx products.
• Previous experience leading technical teams and mentoring scientific staff.

Required Skills

• Strong expertise in skincare formulation, ingredient technologies, stability, and product development.
• Experience managing scale-up, technology transfer, and commercialization activities.
• Proven ability to manage external partners, including contract manufacturers, testing laboratories, and development partners.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements, product safety, and quality standards.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional projects and delivering results on time.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Work Environment:   The work environment is indoors in a professional office environment.  The floor surfaces are carpeted in office areas and conference rooms with vinyl floor covering typical in hallways, break rooms and computer rooms.

Work Hours: The work schedule is 5 days per week, 8 hours per day.  Initial start time may vary, with work hours typically from 8am-5pm.  Work hours and shifts are subject to change depending on operating business conditions and needs. The position resides in Orange County but is hybrid with 1 day being remote work.

Physical and Mental Demands: Sedentary, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, or negligible amounts of force frequently, to move objects. This job also requires constant sitting. Constant use of the upper extremities is required to reach, handle, and position tools and equipment.  The employee must know and follow proper safety protocols and maintain a professional and polished appearance. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:   1-3 direct reports